Cristiano Ronaldo Renews Al Nassr Contract, Ending Exit Speculation

Cristiano Ronaldo has put an end to transfer rumors by signing a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr, keeping him at the Saudi Arabian club until 2027. The announcement, made on Thursday, follows months of speculation surrounding his future.

The 40-year-old superstar affirmed his commitment in a video released by the team, declaring, "Al Nassr forever."

Ronaldo's arrival in 2023 ignited a wave of transfers, with numerous established players moving to Saudi Arabia in the twilight of their careers.

Rumors about Ronaldo's future surfaced after he posted "This chapter is over" following Al Nassr's third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, without securing any silverware.

"Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," a source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP.

The Saudi PIF, which manages the country's sovereign wealth fund, oversees several Pro League clubs, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli.

The announcement of Ronaldo's extension comes after Brazilian star Neymar's departure from Al Hilal in January. Neymar's brief 18-month spell saw him play only seven matches, earning a reported $104 million annually.

Despite leading the league with 25 goals, Ronaldo has yet to win any Saudi or continental titles with Al Nassr. The team recently suffered a defeat in the Asian Champions League semi-finals.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had previously hinted at the possibility of ending his career with Al Nassr, a team favored among Saudi royals.

Saudi Arabia has dramatically reshaped its football scene through substantial investments in European talent, starting with Ronaldo's transfer in late 2022. The nation is also set to host the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi football fans have been treated to the spectacle of renowned players like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who collectively boast six Ballons d'Or, competing in regular league matches.

Some observers have drawn comparisons between the Saudi Pro League and the Chinese Super League, which previously attracted players with lucrative salaries before encountering financial difficulties.

The Saudi Pro League's development aligns with the country's broader ambitions of becoming a prominent tourism and business hub ahead of an anticipated decline in global oil demand.

Ronaldo initially joined Al Nassr two years ago in a deal reportedly valued at $250 million, marking a pivotal transition in his career to Saudi Arabian football.